US20100288062A1 - Two Axis Solar Tracking System - Google Patents
Two Axis Solar Tracking System Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20100288062A1 US20100288062A1 US12/708,661 US70866110A US2010288062A1 US 20100288062 A1 US20100288062 A1 US 20100288062A1 US 70866110 A US70866110 A US 70866110A US 2010288062 A1 US2010288062 A1 US 2010288062A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- panel
- contact
- points
- actuators
- solar
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S30/00—Arrangements for moving or orienting solar heat collector modules
- F24S30/40—Arrangements for moving or orienting solar heat collector modules for rotary movement
- F24S30/45—Arrangements for moving or orienting solar heat collector modules for rotary movement with two rotation axes
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S30/00—Arrangements for moving or orienting solar heat collector modules
- F24S30/40—Arrangements for moving or orienting solar heat collector modules for rotary movement
- F24S30/48—Arrangements for moving or orienting solar heat collector modules for rotary movement with three or more rotation axes or with multiple degrees of freedom
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S30/00—Arrangements for moving or orienting solar heat collector modules
- F24S2030/10—Special components
- F24S2030/17—Spherical joints
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
- Y02E10/40—Solar thermal energy, e.g. solar towers
- Y02E10/47—Mountings or tracking
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T74/00—Machine element or mechanism
- Y10T74/18—Mechanical movements
- Y10T74/18056—Rotary to or from reciprocating or oscillating
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T74/00—Machine element or mechanism
- Y10T74/19—Gearing
- Y10T74/19642—Directly cooperating gears
- Y10T74/1967—Rack and pinion
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T74/00—Machine element or mechanism
- Y10T74/19—Gearing
- Y10T74/19642—Directly cooperating gears
- Y10T74/19698—Spiral
- Y10T74/19823—Screw
Definitions
- the goal of solar tracking systems for photovoltaic panels and solar heat collectors is to maximize the energy gained by these system. This is accomplished by maintaining a perpendicular orientation between the sun and the energy collector as the sun travels through the sky. Most photovoltaic panels, regardless of the chemistry, will gain more than 30% in total output with 2 axis tracking (National Renewable Energy Laboratories data claims 36% for 2 axis tracking).
- Solar tacking systems are generally organized into groups of panels, often 20 or more at a time, to allow a single or two actuators to do tracking at a reduced cost per panel. These systems require significant counterweight, often in the form of poured concrete foundations, making them unsuitable for commercial flat roofs or residential application. As a result of this industry trend, there has not been a cost effective method for articulating a single solar panel for the needed motion.
- An azimuth rotation is a rotary motion, at the mid-line of and around the long axis of the solar panel. (see FIG. 2 )
- FIGS. 1 & 2 provide illustrations of the motion requirement for tracking the sun with rectangular panels.
- FIG. 3 shows the actuator system executing the azimuth motion
- FIG. 4 shows the actuator system executing the elevation motion
- FIG. 5 shows a system block diagram including the micro-controller and motor drives
- the present invention is a method and apparatus for a solar tracker. This disclosure describes numerous specific details in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. One skilled in the art will appreciate that one may practice the present invention without these specific details. Additionally, the disclosure does not describe some well known items in detail, in order not to obscure the present invention.
- a 2 axis system is proposed that can be powered with linear actuators based on an integrated stepping motor and lead screw combination which provides the necessary structural support and 2 degrees of freedom to perform the needed motion. Since the solution is designed for use with only one solar panel the mechanical forces and wind load are much lower and easier to manage.
- a solar tracking system in which two linear actuators are combined with a spherical bearing pivot to achieve two rotary axes of motion.
- a microprocessor controller is used to control the electric motors (stepping motors in the preferred embodiment) and implement the needed position control algorithm.
- An optional input from the output of the solar panel, or an auxiliary photo-detector can be used as a control input to optimize the electrical output of the panel.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Sustainable Development (AREA)
- Sustainable Energy (AREA)
- Thermal Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Photovoltaic Devices (AREA)
- Control Of Position Or Direction (AREA)
Abstract
An electromechanical solution for 2 axis solar tracking is disclosed that is suitable for application with a single solar heat, hot water or photovoltaic panel. 3 points of contact are arranged in a triangle on the back of the panel with 2 points of contact connected by linear actuators and flexible couplings. The third point of contact is a spherical bearing at the base of the panel. The actuators are independently adjustable in length by using electric motors according to a microprocessor program. In this way, 2 rotary axes of motion with limited angles are achieved which can orient the panel to the sun with minimal hardware. Since only one solar panel is being controlled the mechanical force required is minimized.
Description
- The goal of solar tracking systems for photovoltaic panels and solar heat collectors is to maximize the energy gained by these system. This is accomplished by maintaining a perpendicular orientation between the sun and the energy collector as the sun travels through the sky. Most photovoltaic panels, regardless of the chemistry, will gain more than 30% in total output with 2 axis tracking (National Renewable Energy Laboratories data claims 36% for 2 axis tracking).
- Solar tacking systems are generally organized into groups of panels, often 20 or more at a time, to allow a single or two actuators to do tracking at a reduced cost per panel. These systems require significant counterweight, often in the form of poured concrete foundations, making them unsuitable for commercial flat roofs or residential application. As a result of this industry trend, there has not been a cost effective method for articulating a single solar panel for the needed motion.
- In order to correct for annual changes in elevation angle of the sun's rays, a separate axis of rotation is required. This movement is an angle of rotation around an axis at one end of the panel across the short dimension, width, of the rectangle. (see
FIG. 1 ) - In daily operation, as the sun rises and sets, a second axis of rotation is needed, the azimuth. An azimuth rotation is a rotary motion, at the mid-line of and around the long axis of the solar panel. (see
FIG. 2 ) - The two forms of rotary motion must be combined in order to achieve maximum performance in the solar panel. However, it is difficult to create the necessary motion and there is considerable cost and complexity involved in most systems. In the current practice there are no two axis systems that are suited to commercial flat roof installations, leading to significant under utilization of equipment to generate solar power.
-
FIGS. 1 & 2 provide illustrations of the motion requirement for tracking the sun with rectangular panels. -
FIG. 3 shows the actuator system executing the azimuth motion -
FIG. 4 shows the actuator system executing the elevation motion -
FIG. 5 shows a system block diagram including the micro-controller and motor drives - The present invention is a method and apparatus for a solar tracker. This disclosure describes numerous specific details in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. One skilled in the art will appreciate that one may practice the present invention without these specific details. Additionally, the disclosure does not describe some well known items in detail, in order not to obscure the present invention.
- A 2 axis system is proposed that can be powered with linear actuators based on an integrated stepping motor and lead screw combination which provides the necessary structural support and 2 degrees of freedom to perform the needed motion. Since the solution is designed for use with only one solar panel the mechanical forces and wind load are much lower and easier to manage.
- Other embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art after considering this disclosure or practicing the disclosed invention. The specification and examples are exemplary only, with the true scope of the present invention being determined by the following claims.
- A solar tracking system in which two linear actuators are combined with a spherical bearing pivot to achieve two rotary axes of motion. A microprocessor controller is used to control the electric motors (stepping motors in the preferred embodiment) and implement the needed position control algorithm. An optional input from the output of the solar panel, or an auxiliary photo-detector can be used as a control input to optimize the electrical output of the panel.
Claims (3)
1. An actuator system based on 3 points of contact to a flat plane. Two points of contact are actively controlled by linear actuators and attached with flexible couplings, such as tie rod ends, the third point of contact being passive and pivoting on a spherical bearing.
2. The 2 Linear actuators, can be of any design, rack and pinion, lead screw, etc., driven by electric motors and operated independently to produce both azimuth and elevation motion.
3. The two actuators are controlled by a microprocessor, which can be programmed to follow heuristic, maximum power output, or any desired control program.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/708,661 US20100288062A1 (en) | 2009-02-19 | 2010-02-19 | Two Axis Solar Tracking System |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15391509P | 2009-02-19 | 2009-02-19 | |
US12/708,661 US20100288062A1 (en) | 2009-02-19 | 2010-02-19 | Two Axis Solar Tracking System |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20100288062A1 true US20100288062A1 (en) | 2010-11-18 |
Family
ID=43067413
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/708,661 Abandoned US20100288062A1 (en) | 2009-02-19 | 2010-02-19 | Two Axis Solar Tracking System |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20100288062A1 (en) |
Cited By (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2012072204A1 (en) * | 2010-11-30 | 2012-06-07 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Apparatus and method for moving a moving part of a solar installation |
US9255722B2 (en) * | 2012-10-10 | 2016-02-09 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Air conditioner having a movable panel that opens and closes discharge ports |
US9496822B2 (en) | 2012-09-24 | 2016-11-15 | Lockheed Martin Corporation | Hurricane proof solar tracker |
US9759445B2 (en) | 2012-10-10 | 2017-09-12 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Air conditioner |
WO2018115942A1 (en) * | 2016-12-22 | 2018-06-28 | Woosnam Calvin Henry | Universal mount tripod solar tracker system |
GB2579361A (en) * | 2018-11-28 | 2020-06-24 | Duffin Associates Ltd | Apparatus for solar tracking |
US10720541B2 (en) | 2012-06-26 | 2020-07-21 | Lockheed Martin Corporation | Foldable solar tracking system, assembly and method for assembly, shipping and installation of the same |
US11955924B2 (en) | 2020-07-27 | 2024-04-09 | Kloeckner Metals Corporation | Solar tracking mounting system |
Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20040126198A1 (en) * | 2002-12-27 | 2004-07-01 | Jeng-Shyong Chen | Multi-axis cartesian guided parallel kinematic machine |
US20100313695A1 (en) * | 2007-10-31 | 2010-12-16 | Michael Valasek | Device for a body's spherical motion control |
-
2010
- 2010-02-19 US US12/708,661 patent/US20100288062A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20040126198A1 (en) * | 2002-12-27 | 2004-07-01 | Jeng-Shyong Chen | Multi-axis cartesian guided parallel kinematic machine |
US20100313695A1 (en) * | 2007-10-31 | 2010-12-16 | Michael Valasek | Device for a body's spherical motion control |
Cited By (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2012072204A1 (en) * | 2010-11-30 | 2012-06-07 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Apparatus and method for moving a moving part of a solar installation |
US10720541B2 (en) | 2012-06-26 | 2020-07-21 | Lockheed Martin Corporation | Foldable solar tracking system, assembly and method for assembly, shipping and installation of the same |
US9496822B2 (en) | 2012-09-24 | 2016-11-15 | Lockheed Martin Corporation | Hurricane proof solar tracker |
US9255722B2 (en) * | 2012-10-10 | 2016-02-09 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Air conditioner having a movable panel that opens and closes discharge ports |
US9759445B2 (en) | 2012-10-10 | 2017-09-12 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Air conditioner |
WO2018115942A1 (en) * | 2016-12-22 | 2018-06-28 | Woosnam Calvin Henry | Universal mount tripod solar tracker system |
GB2579361A (en) * | 2018-11-28 | 2020-06-24 | Duffin Associates Ltd | Apparatus for solar tracking |
US11955924B2 (en) | 2020-07-27 | 2024-04-09 | Kloeckner Metals Corporation | Solar tracking mounting system |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |